Articles tagged with Wildlife Management
A new study warns of the dangers of human interactions with wildlife, particularly feeding wild animals, which can lead to habituation and dangerous encounters. The research found that provisioning food to wild animals can cause them to become bolder and more prone to causing problems.
New UGA research reveals wild pigs are a significant cause of damage on farms and crops, with estimated losses of $107,000 per year. The invasive species' high birth rate and ability to uproot seeds and trample plants make them a destructive force in Georgia agriculture.
A University of Florida research team developed a more accurate way to count wildlife using drones, confirming the world's largest known nesting site for the Giant South American River Turtle. The method combines aerial imagery with statistical modeling, offering a new tool for conservationists to monitor vulnerable animal populations.
A 26-year study found that removing feral animals like cats and foxes from a reserve sparked an ecological transformation, favoring the growth of smaller rodents like Bolam's mouse and spinifex hopping mouse. Larger species like plains mouse and stripe-faced dunnart also surged in population after five to nine years.
A new study reveals that koalas only spend around 10 minutes per day on the ground, which is linked to two-thirds of recorded koala deaths. The research used GPS loggers and accelerometers to analyze fine-scale movement patterns, finding that koalas move with little urgency and spend most of their time in trees.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that mixed deciduous-conifer forests promote coexistence between red squirrels and dormice. The team observed both species living side by side in these forests, suggesting a potential role for mixed forest management in supporting biodiversity.
A new study found that domesticated carp have lower chronic stress levels than their wild counterparts, despite regular angling capture. The researchers compared scale cortisol data from domesticated and wild carp and found that the former had significantly lower levels of chronic stress.
The Nature Relationship Index (NRI) aims to measure a country's sustainable path by assessing its relationships with nature, tracking progress and development. The NRI adds an environmental dimension to the Human Development Index, fostering mutually beneficial relationships between humans and the natural world.
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
A comprehensive inventory of wildlife species dependent on rangelands has been published by Montana State University. The study identifies over 1,066 species that rely on these ecosystems for survival, with 33 endangered and vulnerable species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
An international study found that dehorning rhinos resulted in a drastic reduction of poaching, with a 78% decrease in poaching rates. The study analyzed data from 11 Greater Kruger reserves and found that dehorning reduced incentives for poaching, making it an effective conservation strategy.
The Nature FIRST project, a £4.9m Horizon Europe-funded initiative, aims to protect endangered species and their habitats across Europe. The project's tools and training will help rangers detect and respond to wildlife crime and other threats using digital technologies and forensic investigation techniques.
A new study found a universal organizing pattern governing species distribution across biogeographical regions. The research reveals that core areas provide optimal conditions for species survival and diversification, driving biodiversity radiance outward.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a method to analyze airborne DNA, tracking species and pathogens in the air. This technology has vast potential applications for studying wildlife, human health, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
A study analyzing online seizure records found over 300 seizures of dried seahorses in 62 countries, with most occurring in transit or destination countries. The illicit trade is estimated to be worth CAD$29 million over 10 years, and emerging routes involve Europe and Latin America.
A study of nearly 600 white-tailed deer in southwest Wisconsin reveals how habitat selection and social interactions affect chronic wasting disease transmission. The research found that certain habitats, like agricultural fields, facilitate easy transmission between deer groups.
A study from the University of Georgia found that a combination of environmental, climatic, and cultural factors drive human-lion conflict in Namibia. The study suggests that areas with less vegetation are more prone to fatalities due to lions being able to hide better from humans.
New research from the University of the Witwatersrand finds that puff adders can increase their food consumption by up to 12 times during rodent outbreaks, outperforming traditional mammalian predators. This natural solution could significantly reduce crop damage and support sustainable farming practices in Africa.
Researchers found that removing invasive American bullfrogs allowed native northwestern pond turtles to recover and thrive in Yosemite National Park. The study suggests that eradicating non-native bullfrogs could be necessary in priority conservation areas to help pond turtle populations recover.
A University of Queensland study reveals that non-English language papers on bird, mammal, and amphibian protection have significantly fewer citations than their English-language counterparts. Providing an English abstract can boost citations by 1.5 times.
Most native European temperate forest plants prefer high-light conditions, challenging the traditional closed-forest model. This suggests that dense forests only became widespread after humans eliminated large herbivores.
The University of Queensland and Duke University scientists have developed a global map to show the migratory patterns of over 100 marine species. The MiCO database highlights critical areas and connections that transcend political boundaries, emphasizing the need for globally-aligned conservation efforts.
A groundbreaking study finds North Korea engages in unsustainable and illegal wildlife trade, breaching its own laws and posing a threat to biodiversity recovery. The country's economic hardship drives black market trade, with hunters simultaneously engaging in state-sanctioned and black market trade.
The Endangered Species Act has become a battleground for partisan ideology, with politicians, NGOs, and legal advocates influencing wildlife management decisions. Despite population recovery, grizzly bears remain listed, and delisting is threatened by competing interests.
A single dry winter decimated California’s salmon and trout populations, with coho salmon disappearing entirely from three coastal watersheds. Chinook salmon were able to cope by shifting their breeding activities downstream, but steelhead trout were eliminated from numerous individual tributaries.
Research articles explore relative effectiveness of wildfire fuel treatments, geese impact on Arctic breeding grounds, bumble bee foraging behavior in agricultural areas, and the discovery of epiphytes in cities.
Researchers found significant implications for water management and wildlife due to the decline in snowpack, affecting the Sainte-Anne River and its streamflow patterns. The study's findings align with historical records of droughts and heavy precipitation, highlighting the importance of protecting old growth forests.
Research uncovering rapid changes in river temperatures across the US highlights importance of observational records for environmental variability. The findings provide insights into managing habitats and understanding impacts on socioeconomic activities.
A study analyzed conservation actions for endangered species and found that targeted efforts have driven improvements in over 100 species. However, only half of assessed species have conservation actions in place, and roughly six times as many species have deteriorated in recent decades than have improved.
A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.
Researchers found that brown trout can successfully pass through beaver dams under favorable conditions, such as high river flows. However, low flow periods pose a significant obstacle, delaying or preventing fish movement upstream. Climate change may exacerbate this issue, particularly in Great Britain.
Researchers at Cornell Lab of Ornithology use acoustic monitoring to track forest bird species and inform forest management decisions. The study creates detailed maps showing where different birds are likely to live, helping managers make better-informed decisions about thinning forests or conducting controlled burns.
A voluntary pledge made by UK shooting organisations in 2020 to replace lead shot with non-toxic alternatives has failed, analysis by Cambridge researchers reveals. The team found that lead shot was not being phased out quickly enough to achieve a complete voluntary transition by 2025.
New research reveals that human disturbances near southern sea otters can increase their energetic costs, potentially affecting their health and survival. The likelihood of disturbance decreases with distance from the otters, but even small craft within 29 meters can have a significant impact.
Researchers at UCalgary suggest a holistic approach to conservation by analyzing individual movement patterns of caribou. The study identifies six distinct behavioural groups that deserve separate conservation actions, providing a framework for habitat protection and restoration strategies.
A new study reveals detailed insights into polar bear denning behavior, showing altered emergence periods and variable den presence. The research highlights the importance of protecting denning areas to ensure cub survival and species conservation.
A Danish study found that rural cat owners are increasingly managing their cats similarly to urban owners, leading to fewer unwanted kittens. The change reflects a growing human attachment to owned cats and a diminishing divide between rural and urban life.
Scientists have released new high-quality genome sequences for two critically endangered pangolin species, revealing genetic vulnerabilities and extinction risks. The research provides essential information for rescue operations and focusing on the best ways to conserve these unique animals.
A combination of ecological restoration, economic initiatives, and political stability has led to a 30% increase in India's tiger population over the past two decades. The country's unique approach to coexistence between humans and predators involves protected reserves and multi-use landscapes where tigers and people share space.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified priority areas for prairie dog conservation, which benefits not only the prairie dog but also other grassland species. The study provides a blueprint for conserving habitats that could help revitalize North America's Central Grasslands.
Researchers in Montana used drones to haze grizzly bears away from towns, homes, and livestock. The results showed that the technology was effective at moving bears away from desirable areas, but not necessarily teaching them to avoid humans long-term.
Researchers warn of the risks of spreading invasive species via untreated water transfers, which can move between different environments. The study highlights the need for coordinated surveillance and management plans to tackle this threat and conserve freshwater biodiversity.
A recent study by HKU ecologist Professor Alice C. Hughes reveals that almost 30,000 wild species were traded globally between 2000 and 2022, with over 50% sourced directly from the wild. This highlights the critical need for systematic monitoring of wildlife trade to assess its sustainability.
A recent study published in PNAS found almost 30,000 wild species were traded in the US over a 22-year period, with 50% sourced from the wild. The majority of these species were not subject to assessments ensuring sustainable harvest, highlighting a major gap in global monitoring and management.
A new map reveals unique 'geologic fingerprints' across most of the African continent, enabling researchers to match artifacts and remains with their likely region of origin. The tool is particularly valuable for understanding human migration patterns, modern wildlife trafficking, and the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
The creation of more fox-free safe havens is crucial to ensure the survival of the Parma wallaby. The species faces threats from fox predation, bushfires, and habitat loss, highlighting the need for greater collaboration between government and landowners.
Researchers used bioacoustics to identify individual leopards through their vocalisations, which proved 93.1% accurate in identifying each leopard's distinct 'sawing roar'. This technique has the potential to aid in population estimates and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
A recent UC Riverside study found that raking dead grass can boost California's native wildflower diversity, reducing fire danger and increasing plant community changes. The simple, low-cost method of removing invasive grass layers allows native seeds to germinate and grow.
Researchers found Andean bears prefer to forage in dry season for young, tender bromeliad plants on east-facing slopes of puna grassland. They actively select specific food resources within the grasslands, indicating their nutritional importance, while avoiding areas with livestock.
A new database reveals significant gaps in hippo population knowledge, with fragmented populations relying on protected areas. The research calls for coordinated surveys and a centralized spatial database to improve conservation efforts.
A research initiative by Sapna Dass aims to identify pathogens, monitor transmission pathways, and implement rapid responses to address potential danger from unidentified pathogens. The project employs SARS-CoV-2 as a model virus to study spillover events from wildlife to livestock.
A new study assesses the sustainability of varying Pacific walrus harvest rates under different climate and human disturbance scenarios. The research finds that current harvest levels are within a sustainable range if assessed regularly and adjusted accordingly.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a groundbreaking method for detecting the DNA of invasive snakes in Florida. The tetraplex digital PCR assay can identify four species simultaneously and has been shown to be highly accurate, even weeks after the snakes have left an area.
A new study highlights the importance of protecting Earth's oldest and wisest creatures due to human intervention. These individuals provide unique biological functions and ecological knowledge, essential for ecosystem services.
New information and guidance on monitoring and managing ranaviruses are provided in the second edition of Ranaviruses: Emerging Pathogens of Ectothermic Vertebrates. Ranavirus infections have been confirmed in over 177 species, causing mass die-offs and affecting biodiversity.
A study found that mountain lions in areas with high human recreation are more nocturnal, adjusting their activity to avoid interactions. The animals' flexibility in timing allows for coexistence between humans and wildlife.
A team of researchers analyzed historical marking data from the Discovery Marking Program to investigate Antarctic blue whale population structure. They found frequent mixing among ocean basins, indicating a single circumpolar population. This study provides valuable insights into the conservation of this endangered species.
Large-scale declines in African elephant populations have been confirmed over 53 years of survey data. Forest elephant populations decreased by 90%, while savanna elephant populations fell by 70%. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive assessment of African elephants and highli...
A study published in Environmental Communication found that social media can harness public awareness and engagement to support wildlife conservation. The caracal, a small wild cat native to Africa, has gained popularity on Facebook and Instagram, leading to increased support for its conservation.